Forthsky Padrigao delivered a steady performance in his debut for University of Santo Tomas (UST) against University of the East (UE) in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Despite this being his first UAAP game in two seasons, Padrigao contributed five points, six rebounds, and seven assists in 22 minutes on the floor.
“Overall, I’m really happy kasi, yun nga, naipanalo namin yung unang game namin,” said the 23-year-old court general from Zamboanga City after UST’s 70-55 triumph on Sunday.
“We’re just gonna keep on building. One game at a time lang kami. We’re just gonna focus on our next game, which is against Ateneo. Yun na yung pag-iisipan at paghahandaan namin sa susunod.”
Padrigao’s potential as one of the next great point guards was evident even during his high school days.
He lived up to the hype while playing for Ateneo de Manila University, helping them win the Season 85 championship as the starting point guard and earning a spot on that season’s Mythical Five.
His transfer to UST brought high expectations, with hopes that he could help restore the program’s former glory.
The Growling Tigers have struggled in recent years, falling to the bottom of the league standings over the past three seasons.
For Padrigao, it’s about instilling a new culture within the team.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“When I joined Ateneo, there’s a culture na na-establish na,” he explained.
“Here in UST, kumbaga panibagong challenge because we’re trying to build a new culture here. Sana mas maging maayos ang kung anong kultura na ma-bi-build namin. Sana maging okay sa next few games namin.
He added, “Ngayon, wala pa talaga. We’re really building on it. Ang hirap gumawa ng culture. It’s not gonna happen overnight. Lalo na kami, halos lahat kami bagong teammates sa isa’t isa. Dahan-dahan lang kami sa practices, preparation tapos sa games.”
Padrigao emphasized his focus on team success rather than personal accolades.
“I’m not really into showcasing my talent. I just really want to help the team win kasi, yun nga, the past few seasons, medyo pangit yung standings namin. We’re just trying to change that.”
UST’s next game will be against Ateneo this Wednesday at the same venue.
The Growling Tigers have a chance to equal their record from last season with two wins. Additionally, the game will be significant for Padrigao as it will mark his first encounter with his former school in the UAAP.
Nevertheless, the former Blue Eagle remains focused on helping his new team succeed.
“Same thing lang kung paano namin in-approach yung game na ‘to,” he said.
“We’re just gonna prepare, watch the film, [study] yung scouting ng coaches namin at kung anong gagawin. Same way lang how we prepared nung game na ‘to.”
